5 Considerations During a Hotel Renovation
Every hotel will require a renovation at some point to prevent outdated interior or general deterioration. It could be as simply as changing the wallpaper to redeveloping the hotel from top to bottom.
Whatever your aim, the transformation will take careful planning to ensure you achieve the right design. Read our helpful tips on how to embark on a hotel renovation that will wow guests.
Public domain image/JJKuek at the wikipedia project.
The Hotel’s Reputation
Before you do anything, consider the hotel’s current reputation. Visit reviews on the likes of TripAdvisor and Facebook to identify common complaints about your accommodation, so you can avoid making the same mistakes with the redevelopment.
Previous guests may also have expressed what they love about the hotel, which you should bear in mind when making any changes. For example, if the hotel’s restaurant menu offers a cheese soufflé that makes guests want to return, it might be worth keeping the dish on the menu following the renovation. Guests could love anything from your powerful showerheads to your luxurious Jacuzzi baths, so read each review carefully before you make any changes, because the last thing you will want to do is disappoint previous and future guests.
Create a Complementary Style
Style is everything when it comes to a hotel. Not only does it determine the guest experience, but it will impact your pricing structure, reviews and reputation. You must therefore select an interior design that not only reflects your brand, but that is a representation of an area. For example, if the hotel is situated in an affluent area of a city, guests will expect a modern, luxurious design. Sajan Hansji, the principal of Hansji Hotels, is a prime example of how a hotelier can effectively transform an outdated interior into a contemporary design.
Minimize Guest Disruption
Nothing is more important to a hotel than its guests, which is why you should endeavour to minimize the renovation disruption as much as possible. This means closing off floors at a time for renovation work to reduce noise pollution. It is also important to train staff on how to handle any problems during the redevelopment, and notifying guests of building work in advance, so they can make alternative accommodation arrangements, if necessary.
Prepare for Potential Problems
Most renovation projects can result in unexpected issues, such as building delays, staffing problems or item shortages. The hotel could experience problems with the electrics, a builder might accidently hit a water pipe or a member of staff could experience an injury onsite, which could delay the project. When planning a hotel renovation project, ensure you add a little extra time and money so you do not miss a deadline or disappoint your guests.
A hotel renovation will require hours of hard work, as well as a significant amount of money, but the pride you will feel when many more customers walk through the doors and leave great guest reviews is priceless. So, take the time to ensure you execute the renovation project successfully.
Author: Carol Trehearn
